John celebrates Parliamentary launch of The Safer Birth in Chad Foundation
11 June 2009
Yesterday John Baron MP attended the official launch of The Safer Birth in Chad Foundation at the Houses of Parliament. John met with Trustees of the charity to discuss the valuable work they do in Chad. Colin Kidner, a Billericay resident, is one of the founders of the Foundation and is presently the Treasurer – having in the past raised funds through John’s Fun Walk.
John said:
“500,000 women die each year during pregnancy or childbirth in developing countries. The Safer Birth in Chad Foundation is truly helping women in one of the poorest countries in Africa. They deserve our congratulations and support.”
“Having helped in supporting the Foundation during the early days, I’m proud of its achievements. Let’s hope this launch helps in promoting its cause.”
Colin Kidner, Treasurer of the Safer Birth in Chad Foundation said:
“We believe the ultimate aim of our work should be to establish self-sufficiency. Sustainability is key. Progress is catching – for example, since our visits began the Association of the Chad Midwives has revived.”
Notes
1. The attached photos show 1) John with Paulette Lewis [Trustee], Colin Kidner [Treasurer], Ann Pettitt [Chairwoman], and Annie Tunnicliffe [Volunteer]. 2) John with Colin Kidner [Treasurer]
2. The Safer Birth in Chad Foundation is a charity which was formed in response to a BBC documentary entitled “Dead Mum’s Don’t Cry” which was broadcast in 2005.
3. The SBCF focuses on two maternity units in the capital of Chad, N’Djamena.
4. In Chad the chance of a woman dying in during pregnancy or childbirth is 1 in 11. In Britain it is less than 1 in 5,000.
5. To become a member or make a donation, please phone 01277 654185 or visit www.saferbirthinchad.org
6. Some facts supplied by The Safer Birth in Chad Foundation:-
• Maternal Health in Chad is very poor. In 1995 the estimated maternal mortality rate was 1,100/100,000 (source UNICEF). In 2005 it was estimated as 1,500/100,000 (source UNICEF) . Births attended by skilled health professional (2005) was 14% (source UNICEF)
• What we do: We focus on two maternity units, serving very poor areas of the capital of Chad, N’Djamena, to improve care and conditions. So far, SBCF has Improved the skills of the hospital midwives and TBAs. Given training in the use of Magnesium Sulphate to treat eclampsia. Worked alongside hospital staff to clean and repaint the delivery rooms Provided a reliable water supply, solar lamps, and simple delivery kits. Supplied essential drugs, but also lobbied successfully for these to be made available in Chad. Begun to teach trainers from the Chad midwifery school, with theoretical and practical sessions followed by vital follow-up and supervision in the delivery rooms, teaching in the real-life conditions of birth in Chad.
• While short term programmes can have a positive impact, they should exist within a longer-term framework of partnership and commitment. We have a partnership agreement with the Chad Health Ministry to improve conditions in the two district maternity units of the capital N’Djamena.
• SBICF long term aims are to continue training midwives in the two hospitals. Continue to teach trainers in the Chad midwifery school. Continue to work with the Chad Ministry of Health to improve the infrastructure of the two hospitals. Train staff in advanced Emergency Maternal Care. Research the practice of Traditional Birth Attendants in the community.
